Lady flossing as a treatment for bleeding gums, promoting healthy oral hygiene

Bleeding Gums Treatment: Professional Care and Simple Home Cures

Published date field Last Updated:

Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Did you notice your gums bleeding when you brush or floss? While it may be nothing to worry about, bleeding gums can also be the beginning of gingivitis, which can end in advanced gum disease. Early diagnosis and bleeding gums treatments can save you from a lot of trouble. Read on to learn what bleeding gums mean, their different causes, how to stop bleeding gums at home, and when to see a dental professional. 

What do Bleeding Gums Mean?

Healthy gums bleed from aggressive brushing or incorrect flossing. However, bleeding gums often indicate underlying gum problems or health conditions. Gums bleeding when you floss or brush is usually a sign of gum disease in its early stage (gingivitis). You may notice swollen and bleeding gums as it progresses to advanced stages (periodontitis).

Bleeding gums can also indicate deficiencies, hormonal changes, or other health issues. Wearing ill-fitting dental appliances can cause the gums to bleed. Knowing the different causes of bleeding gums helps with treatment and effective prevention.

Dental Conditions That Can Cause Bleeding Gums

The bleeding gums causes of oral origin include mild or severe forms of gum diseases. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and tobacco use are the common culprits. Other oral reasons that make the gums bleed include mouth ulcers and poorly fitting braces or dentures. Addressing these causes is crucial for your oral health. Besides making your gums bleed, they can have potential implications if left untreated. They include:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild and early form of gum disease. It results from the build-up of plaque due to poor dental hygiene. Plaque is a colorless, sticky biofilm of bacteria that forms along the teeth and the gum line. Bacteria in plaque build-up cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, making them swell around the teeth’ base. If not treated, gingivitis becomes a more severe stage of gum disease.

The common symptoms include red, swollen, and tender gums. Gums bleeding when you floss or brush and bad breath are other signs. Bleeding gums treatment in this stage includes dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Gingivitis is reversible with early detection and proper oral care.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe and advanced stage of gum disease. It affects the soft tissues and supporting bone. Besides sore and bleeding gums, you may notice other signs, such as receding gums. Gums start pulling away from teeth, making teeth appear longer and causing sensitivity. It causes deeper pockets between teeth and gums, which may get filled with pus as the infection progresses. An unpleasant smell of the breath and poor taste in the mouth are likely.

If left untreated, periodontitis can damage the supporting bones and tissues. It causes teeth to loosen and shift, eventually leading to tooth loss. Treatment in this stage aims to stop the infection from spreading further and restore gum health. It may require deep cleaning, including scaling and root planing. For severe conditions, a dental professional may suggest surgical procedures to restore gum health.

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums

Apart from periodontal disease, several other factors can make the gums bleed. Some of the common bleeding gums causes of non-oral origin include:

  • Vitamin C or Vitamin K deficiency.

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.

  • Use of some medicines, such as blood thinners.

  • Health problems like leukemia and anemia that affect how the blood clots.

  • Aggressive brushing or incorrect flossing.

Treatment of Bleeding Gums

Addressing the cause is essential to curing bleeding gums. Treating gum disease in the early stages restores gum health and stops the infection from spreading. This saves you from implications like gum recession and tooth loss. The solutions range from home remedies to professional treatments. If you are seeking a bleeding gums remedy, here are some options to consider: 

Professional Treatment For Bleeding Gums

A dental professional will first check your mouth to rule out underlying health issues. Corrective treatments may be suggested for improper dental work. They may also look for plaque or tartar buildup and signs of gum disease. Measuring the depth of gum pockets helps determine the extent of the infection. Accordingly, the bleeding gums treatments can vary, which include:

  • Deep Cleaning: It includes procedures, such as scaling and root planing. Scaling removes the plaque and tartar deposits deep below the gum line. Root planing helps the gums heal and re-attach to the teeth by smoothing out the tooth root surfaces.

  • Surgical Procedures: Severe gum disease affects the supporting tissues and bones. In such cases, deep cleaning may not suffice. Surgical procedures can help repair the damaged gums. Timely treatment can save you from implications like tooth loss. Antibiotics, gels, or mouth rinses may be suggested to reduce the infection.

Home Remedies For Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can cause discomfort. Consulting a dental professional is crucial for proper bleeding gums treatment. You may be tempted by home remedies with kitchen staples like hydrogen peroxide. However, they offer only temporary relief and do not address the root cause. They may lack scientific proof and can be potentially harmful. Here are some home remedies for bleeding gums to consider until your dental visit:

  • Saline Rinse: Rinsing with warm salt water is considered for relief by many. Salt is a natural antiseptic. It helps reduce bacteria and soothe the inflamed gums.

  • Cold Compress: Many consider holding an icepack against the outer cheek. It numbs the area and helps soothe the swollen gums.

  • Dental Care: Brushing twice with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily is crucial. Adopt proper brushing and flossing techniques. Ideally, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse with mouthwash to fight bacteria.

  • Watch Your Diet: Follow a nutritional diet, including vitamins. Avoid foods that may irritate the gums. Limit sugary foods and drinks that promote tooth decay and plaque bacteria.

  • Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking and tobacco use to reduce the risk of gum disease.

When to See a Medical Professional?

A dental check-up is vital if you notice signs like swelling, redness, or receding gums. Consult your dental hygienist if gum bleeding lasts despite good oral hygiene. They can suggest the right bleeding gums treatment for an effective cure. A healthcare provider can help you manage the underlying health issues, if any.

While gums may bleed from improper brushing and flossing, various causes are likely. Timely treatment helps avoid complications from gum disease. Regular dental visits are important for detecting and treating gum problems early on. Good oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle changes are crucial for gum health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I stop my gums from bleeding?

  2. If you are thinking about how to stop bleeding gums, ensuring good dental care is the key. Using proper techniques to brush twice and floss once daily is crucial. Rinsing with a mouthwash helps inhibit plaque bacteria that cause gum disease. Dietary and lifestyle changes help manage the condition. Consult a dental professional if the bleeding persists.

  3. What is the best medicine for bleeding gums?

  4. Bleeding gums treatment depends on the underlying causes. Bleeding gums from gingivitis often improve with proper oral hygiene and dental cleaning. For severe gum disease, a dental professional can offer extensive treatments. They may include medicines like antibiotic gels or mouthwashes to reduce infection. For underlying health conditions, a healthcare provider can suggest the right solution.

  5. How long does it take to cure bleeding gums?

  6. If you are curious about how to cure bleeding gums faster, identifying the cause is crucial. It affects the time for recovery. Bleeding gums from gingivitis usually improve with good oral hygiene and dental cleaning. They heal within a few days or a week. Severe gum disease needs extensive treatment and may take a longer recovery time. 

  7. Are there natural remedies to cure bleeding gums?

  8. Home remedies provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying cause. Consulting a dental professional for proper treatment is important. However, home remedies for bleeding gums help soothe your discomfort until the dental visit. They include good oral care, rinsing with warm salt water, and applying a cold compress on the outer cheeks.